What a night in Dunedin as Ireland defeated 14-man New Zealand 23-12 and earned their first-ever victory in the country. With 3 yellow cards and 1 red card (and there should have been more! ), New Zealand's discipline was just absurd for international sport in a frenzied first half. Although Ireland missed many opportunities in the first half, they were the superior team for the majority of the game. Here's a look at how Ireland performed. It's your Ireland player ratings.
Ireland Player Ratings - starters
15 Hugo Keenan - 7
Looked better with his positioning and under the high ball. Stepped up well in Irelands phase attack in the 2nd half.
14 Mack Hansen- 7
Showed loads of energy in the early stages of the game. Heavily involved in the 1st try.
13 Garry Ringrose - 6
Like most of his team-mates, he started well but his night was cut short after a sickening tackle by Ta’avoa.
12 Robbie Henshaw - 8
A solid night where he showed he is one of the best centres playing the game. His defence was another level to others on the field. 11 tackles
11 James Lowe- 7
Showed loads of energy in attack. Will be disappointed with his 2 turnovers conceded.
10 Johnny Sexton (Capt.) - 8
A good night for Sexton – showed his worth with his passing and organising before Porter’s 2nd try. Will be disappointed with the poor attacking decision making in the first half when New Zealand were down to 13 players.
9 Jamison Gibson Park -8
Passing accuracy was top quality and his speed of pass helped Ireland score those 2 tries. .
1 Andrew Porter - 8
Ireland’s 2 try hero was outstanding. Made 14 tackles
2 Dan Sheehan - 8
A busy night from the Ireland hooker. His ball carrying quality and breakdown work is vital to Ireland’s attack .
3 Tadhg Furlong -8
What a difference a week makes. Furlong was dominate all night with some big scrum moments. Got on the ball more and made an incredible 15 tackles
4 Tadhg Beirne - 10
What a performance !! Was central is all of Ireland’s good attacking moments with some excellent ball carrying. Great ball carry before Ireland’ s 2nd try.
5 James Ryan – 8
Looked back to his best with a great performance around the field and won the lineout battle. 11 tackles
6 Peter O’Mahony - 9
A day to remember for O’Mahony. His 2nd half performance was as good as any in a green shirt by any player. -His 50/22 kick was incredible.
7 Josh Van Der Flier - 9
This tackle machine just never stopped. His work-rate was incredible . Ireland’s top tackler with 24 tackles and 7Ball carries.
8 Caelan Doris - 8
A great performance by the No. 8. Came up with 2 big steals in the 1st half and his tap tackle on Barrett will go down in Irish rugby fakelore . Tackled his heart out with 15 tackles.
Ireland player ratings: Replacements
Rob Herring -6
Not the impact he would have wanted. Poor throw on his first lineout. Called into defence duties with 3 tackles.
Cian Healy - 7
There is life in the old dog yet. Great experience off the bench
Finley Bealham - 6
Very solid 16 minutes – came up with a big scrum penalty.
Kieran Treadwell - 7
Looked to get on the ball for his 12 minutes - Good energy when he came on.
Jack Conan - 7
Was forced into defensive duties for much of his 13 minutes on the field.
Conor Murray - 7
Old head came on to close out the game – did his job well.
Joey Carbery -5
Yet again his tackle technique is becoming a massive issue when he is on the field.
Bundee Aki - 8
Again showed his talent. Full of energy when he came on. Lovely line to get over for Ireland’s 3rd try.
Coach – 7
History made by this coaching group with Ireland’s first win in New Zealand. Kept their heads while the New Zealand coaching group lost their heads. Will be disappointed not to take a bigger lead into the 2nd half and the analysis of the time when New Zealand were down to 13 men will be huge learning for this team.
SEE ALSO: All Blacks v Ireland 12-23: Second Test Match Report And Highlights
